This special final episode of the Black Men in Education series ends with a powerful message highlighting the relevance of a diverse curriculum; the importance of a well-rounded education and why it is crucial to be anti-racist.
I sit down with Rt. Hon. Stuart Lawrence. Stuart is an author, motivational speaker and youth engagement specialist. He is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in 1993 in an unprovoked racially motivated attack. Having worked in education for over 15 years, Stuart now works to equip young people with the mindset to believe and achieve what they want in life regardless of the challenges that they may face.
We discuss Stuart’s book, Silence is Not an Option, his thoughts on racism, the eradication of history and the importance of developing a rich, inclusive and diverse curriculum.
By being anti-racist, it means you’re actively going to be part of the solution to the problem.
Rt. Hon. Stuart Lawrence
Rt. Hon. Stuart Lawrence
Author, Motivational Speaker and Educator
Stuart Lawrence is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence. After Stephen’s death, Stuart stayed in education and followed a creative path which focused on graphic design. Upon completing a course at the London College of Printing, he attended Northampton University to read Graphic Communication. Stuart worked with the Home Office and HMP Belmarsh before going on to become a teacher. Stuart’s teaching career spanned over 15 years, within a secondary school based in South-West London.
Stuart recently left this role to take on developing change within the education system and our society as a whole. Whilst working with these particular establishments which are in place in order to help aide change, rehabilitation and impart knowledge to our young people, Stuart has also been part of local communities for the last 20 years as a dedicated Football Coach and a football scout.
Since Stuart left the teaching profession full time, he has spent his time working with schools, presenting assemblies, working with youth groups/youth centres and sharing his story, experiences and presenting messages of hope & tolerance. His main goal is to equip young people with the mindset to believe and achieve what they want in life no matter the challenges many of them will unfortunately face due to social and economic disadvantages, ethnicity, religion, childhood trauma and so on. Through knowledge, self-worth, determination and unity Stuart believes our young people of today have the power to push for change within our society and make change.
Last year, the Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards presented Stuart with the ‘Special Recognition’ Award for his dedication to anti-racism work following the murder of his brother Stephen.
Today, as well as working with youth, Stuart is an author and has released his first book, Silence is Not an Option.
He works with organisations and broadcasters to help them focus on areas of racism, internally and externally within our society. He has been a part of various panels, podcasts, 1 to 1 interview’s across ITV, The Sun, BBC London and Good Morning Britain to name a few.
Stephen Lawrence (13 September 1974 – 22 April 1993) was a young black man from Woolwich, South-East London. He was murdered in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in Well Hall, Eltham on the evening of 22nd April 1993. His family’s tireless campaign for justice led to cultural shifts and changes in attitudes towards racism within British society, the law and the Metropolitan Police. This fight and their story are still as impactful and important today as it was in the 90s, whilst the fight for justice and change continues.
Photo credit: Simon Fredericks
Connect with Stuart:
Highlights:
- 09:23 On his book
- 19:38 Leadership and the truth
- 26:21 Bystanders, victims and perpetrators
- 41:40 The Black Curriculum
- 45:34 Rich, inclusive and diverse curriculum
Resources: Stephen Lawrence Day
Books:
Sway: Unravelling Unconscious Bias by Dr. Pragya Agarwal
Diversity by June Sarpong
“We as a family now are looking forward to the future and how the legacy of Stephen can be a driving force to help young people.
Rt. Hon. Stuart Lawrence
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What an insightful and uplifting episode! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.
I am so glad that you enjoyed the episode Fiona. I too enjoyed the conversation with Stuart – there are many things to reflect on for educators.